Two-car collision causes brief traffic back-up on Route 1 in Belfast

A two-car accident at the intersection of Route 1 and Northport Avenue in Belfast at about 11:50 a.m. on Monday, April 21, had traffic backed up in the area until the scene was cleared at about 12:10 p.m.

According to Officer Roy Smith, Dennis Burns was driving a 2006 Saturn north on Route 1 near the jug handle, when Dale King, who was driving a Dodge Caravan, pulled out of the ramp where Northport Avenue splits off toward downtown Belfast. King began to merge, and Burns, who was unfamiliar with the area, moved to the right thinking there were two northbound lanes. The two vehicles collided and came to rest on the island on the west side of the road.

The front driver's side bumper, hood and mirror of Burns' vehicle and the front passenger side door and wheel of King's vehicle were damaged. Burns suffered wrist pain as a result of the air bag deploying, but no other injuries were reported.